Energy Star has already made its name through programs for promoting consumer purchases of energy-efficient products and for building energyefficient new homes. Now home performance contractors in New York can also partner up to benefit from this great initiative.

The Hickok family of Weedsport, New York,was one of the first customers to have a comprehensive package of building performance work done on their home by a certified contractor through a new state initiative, Home Performance with Energy Star. Their home was 39 years old, used a lot of energy, and was uncomfortable to live in. After a thorough assessment that included a blower door test and a comprehensive combustion safety evaluation, the Hickoks invested in a package of home improvements that will enhance the comfort and durability of their home while saving them money on their energy bills. Rx for Poorly Performing Homes Many homes, like the Hickoks’, suffer from unnecessary health, safety, and comfort problems due to improperly installed mechanical systems, inadequate insulation levels, and uncontrolled air infiltration (see “Sick Houses: Using Diagnostic Tools to Improve Indoor Air Quality,” HE Nov/Dec ’97, p. 15).However, in the past it has been difficult to convince consumers and residential contractors that these problems are diagnosable and treatable. Commonly held assumptions—for instance, that all homes ...